Academy

The Academy is the heart of North Star

The academy runs structured programs from the U13 through the U18 categories. Players are carefully selected by those who display raw ability, discipline, and a clear willingness to learn.

Each age group follows a development plan covering the technical, tactical and physical aspects of the game. Our players benefit from training sessions led by qualified coaches, competitive matches, and periodic assessments to measure growth and readiness.

The mental aspect of player development is a priority at the academy. Coaches and staff work off the field, becoming mentors to the young women and men that join us, as we look for success not just in The Gambia, but welll beyond. The North Star brand is being built by preparing young women and men to successfully transition into new environments—whether trials in Europe or athletic scholarships in the US.

Recruitment & diversity

We attract young talent primarily from The Gambia and Senegal, followed by Ivory Coast, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, and more recently, Uganda. Our goal is to identify, recruit, and create opportunities for African talent throughout the region.

Education pathways

For players who show academic interests and potential, we are building bridges to
scholarships in U.S high schools and/or universities, providing alternative routes alongside professional football.

Women’s football

From the very beginning, we have prioritized women’s football. Our girls’ academy and women’s first team are already competing and inspiring a new generation of female athletes.

Scouting network

With satellite academies, regional tournaments, and dedicated scouts, we identify the brightest talents and bring them into a high-performance training environment.